Help me choose new router

[krumme]

Need:
For big family - No a/b/g devices but different N and probably some AC devices
Often 2 machines media streaming wireless from server, Up to 30Mbps file types
Range up to 25 meter with 2 walls in older house - consistent high performance at range is very important - top speed not important
Easy setup
>=4 pcx. Gigabit lan out
Need to be kind of futureproof
No blower
Preferably power efficient
Color black - can be big if needed
Budget is of minor importance

Whats your take?

 

[PliotronX]

The Asus RT-AC68U/R almost fits. It does not have active cooling but I have heard that it can be more power hungry than others. Since it seems like a preference and not a requirement, that recommendation stands The more expensive RT-AC87U builds onto it with four antennae working in tandem which appears to have boosted range over the 68 but may still have glitches here and there because it is younger.

 

[ggadrian]

I have an RT-AC68U at home and it's pretty good. It serves 3 laptops and one table on wifi, a bridge with an RT-AC66U that has one server and one desktop connected, and two chromecasts streaming from the server (though the wifi) with no bandwidth problems.

It also does a pretty good job in QoS in my 100/10 connection.

 

[smitbret]

The Asus RT-AC68U is definitely good as is the NetGear R7000.

I had been using a TP-Link Archer C7 for about 1 year and a half and then I picked up a T-Mobile CellSpot Router. It's actually an Asus RT-AC68U with their badging on it and a custom firmware. I flashed it back to stock and set it up as a replacement for the C7, not because I had a problem with the C7 but just out of curiosity. I figured if T-Mobile would give one to me for free why not see what the Asus is all about since it is so highly talked about. The interface is definitely more user friendly than the TP-Link but that's about the only place I have seen any perceived improvement. I have seen no difference in throughput via wired and wireless on either band (2.4GHz or 5GHz). Range on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz is also virtually identical. Neither has been more stable than the other as I have never had to reboot either because of stability issues.

I tried the T-Mobile/Asus for about 60 days (mid December till last week). I don't like the upright form factor. It makes it bulky and hard to make inconspicuous. The C7 can be tucked up underneath a shelf in my entertainment center where it is relatively out of sight in my living room so I put it back. No regrets.

If I were a T-Mobile customer I would go down to the local T-Mobile store and get their mobile Cell Spot and use that. If I had to spend money I would get the C7 or the newer C8 for about half the cost of the RT-AC68U.

 

[krumme]

Thanx guys. I need the range of the eg asus 68 and is in europe. I prefer bug free firmware and will gladly pay for the software part but the upright position is kind of big for the intended placement of the router. Hmm. Else the 68 looks super for my need.
In some test it seems as if the 68 have longer range than the 87 model?
Can a dual band drive 6-8 units at the same time?


Edit: i plan on going 250/250mbit on the internet if that matters.

 

[smitbret]

Thanx guys. I need the range of the eg asus 68 and is in europe. I prefer bug free firmware and will gladly pay for the software part but the upright position is kind of big for the intended placement of the router. Hmm. Else the 68 looks super for my need.
In some test it seems as if the 68 have longer range than the 87 model?
Can a dual band drive 6-8 units at the same time?


Edit: i plan on going 250/250mbit on the internet if that matters.

If you are going to driving 6-8 units that are high bandwidth via wireless you should probably look further than the AC1750/AC1900 units and jump to the AC3200 units. They are definitely expensive but they will future proof you with that kind of internet speed and wireless demand.

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/tools/rankers/router/ranking/AC3200/rev8/6